Court extends detention of six Iranians for a month in Sh8 billion drug trafficking probe
Prosecutors told the court that investigators are still scrutinising the seized samples, which have been sent to the Government Chemist.
Six Iranian nationals linked to an ongoing probe into a suspected multibillion-shilling drug trafficking syndicate will remain in police custody for another month after a Shanzu court granted investigators more time to complete their inquiries.
Magistrate Antony Muchigi extended their detention to January 12, 2026, following an application by state prosecutors who said the case involves complex cross-border investigations, laboratory tests, and analysis of electronic devices.
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The group was arrested on October 24, 2025, after the Kenyan Navy intercepted a suspicious vessel off the Kilindini channel. Security officers recovered 769 parcels of a white crystalline substance weighing just over 1,035 kilograms, believed to be synthetic narcotics with an estimated street value of Sh8 billion.
Prosecutors told the court that investigators are still scrutinising the seized samples, which have been sent to the Government Chemist, while digital experts at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations are examining multiple mobile phones taken from the suspects.
According to the lead investigator, the scale of the haul and the suspected involvement of international crime networks require more time to piece together evidence.
The court maintained earlier directives allowing investigators to complete all pending forensic procedures, citing national security concerns and the transnational nature of the suspected drug trafficking ring.
The six suspects will continue being held at the Port Police Station until their next court appearance in January, when the prosecution is expected to indicate whether formal charges will be filed.
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